A hidden threat in abandoned fields: frequent nest predation by common adder on ground-nesting passerines

Samsonov, Stanislav; Grudinskaya, Viktoria; Grabovsky, Alexander; Makarova, Tatiana V.; Shitikov, Dmitry

doi:10.1007/s10344-022-01559-w

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…Adult specimens are on average 50–70 cm in length, rarely exceeding 80 cm (Mallow et al, 2003). The neonates feed primarily on small amphibians and reptiles, although adults will also prey on birds and mammals (Mallow et al, 2003; Otte et al, 2020; Samsonov et al, 2022). One characteristic trait of common adders is their wide range of color and pattern phenotypes (Mallow et al, 2003; Otte et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative venom analysis between melanistic and normally-colored phenotypes of the common adder (Vipera berus)

Schulte,

Uhrig,

Eichberg

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Snake venom is an ecologically-relevant functional trait directly linked with a snake's fitness and survival, facilitating predation and defense. Snake venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, but the study of variation at intraspecific level is still in its early stages. The common adder (Vipera berus) exhibits considerable variation in color phenotypes across its distribution range. Melanistic (fully black) individuals are the subject of myths and fairytales, and in German folklore such "hell adders" are considered more toxic than their normally-colored conspecifics. However, these claims have never been formally tested. Here, we provide the first comparative analysis of venoms from melanistic and normally-colored common adders. Specifically, we compared the venom profiles by SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC, and tested the protease, phospholipase A2 and cytotoxic activities of the venoms of both phenotypes. Phospholipase A2 activity was similar in both phenotypes, whereas general protease activity was higher in the melanistic venom, which was also more cytotoxic at two concentrations (6.25 and 12.5 µ/ml). These minor differences between the venoms of melanistic and normally-colored adders are unlikely to be of clinical relevance in the context of human envenomation. In light of our results, the claim that melanistic adders produce more toxic venom than their normally-colored conspecifics appears rooted entirely in folklore.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative venom analysis between melanistic and normally-colored phenotypes of the common adder (Vipera berus)

Schulte,

Uhrig,

Eichberg

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…Nest‐site selection is an important component of avian habitat selection, which has an important effect on the reproductive performance of birds (Ma et al, 2021; MacDonald et al, 2016; Tryjanowski et al, 2000). Nest predation is regarded as the main cause of nest failure in most bird species (Ibáñez‐Álamo et al, 2015; Martin & Roper, 1988; Nilsson, 1984; Samsonov et al, 2022), and nest position plays a determining role in reducing nest predation (Badyaev, 1995; Dwight et al, 2020; Kolbe & Janzen, 2002). Birds often choose safer nest sites to increase nest success (Antczak et al, 2005; Bachir et al, 2008; Negro & Hiraldo, 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Research activity induces change in nest position but does not affect nest success in a vulnerable babbler

Zhang,

Wang,

Chen

et al. 2023

Conservat Sci and Prac

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Studies show that birds cognize human disturbance as a potential predation risk. However, the responses of breeding birds to long‐term continuous disturbance by research activities and whether researcher disturbance affects the fitness of target species remain poorly understood. In this study, we used field observation data collected over 6 years to assess the potential impacts of research activities on nest‐site selection and nest success of the Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis), a vulnerable babbler species endemic to Southwest China. Our results showed that Emei Shan Liocichlas tended to nest in taller nesting plants or the higher parts of nesting plants to increase nest‐site height following researcher disturbance. The average height of Emei Shan Liocichla nests increased by 52.2% over the 6‐year study period, from 129.8 ± 9.2 cm in 2009 (n = 11) to 197.5 ± 12.1 cm in 2015 (n = 18). While some pairs adopted a different strategy, placing their nests in Rosaceae plants with thorns instead of the bamboo Chimonobambusa szechuanensis (the favored nesting plant of the Emei Shan Liocichla) under high interference pressure, which made it more difficult for researchers to approach their nests. There were no significant differences both in clutch size and nest success between the low‐ and high‐disturbance groups. The study revealed the behavioral response pattern of breeding Emei Shan Liocichlas to researcher disturbance, which will contribute to conservation of this threatened songbird and the knowledge of reproductive strategies of birds. Developing specific guidelines for fieldwork and strengthening visitor management within its core habitat of Emei Shan Liocichla during breeding period should be considered.

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Multi‐scale habitat selection and nest survival of whinchats and stonechats: implications for grassland conservation management

Küblbeck,

Weiß,

Korner-Nievergelt

et al. 2024

Wildlife Biology

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Effective management for endangered grassland birds requires a sound understanding of habitat requirements and factors shaping reproductive success. We studied multi‐level habitat selection of endangered whinchats Saxicola rubetra and locally increasing stonechats Saxicola rubicola in a nature reserve using Sentinel‐2 images, LiDAR data, and habitat variables measured onsite. We monitored nest fates, and estimated how the causes of nest mortality varied with nest initiation date. Further, we analyzed how nest‐site selection, precipitation, nest initiation date, and nest age influenced daily nest survival.At the landscape‐ and site‐level, both species primarily selected for territories in lightly farmed meadows. However, stonechats appeared to be less specialized and used most available habitat types. Within home‐ranges, both species selected for nest‐sites in fallow patches, but in contrast to stonechats, whinchats also selected for large viewsheds.In both species, the main causes of nest failure were predation by red foxes Vulpes vulpes, weather‐related factors, and nest desertion. In whinchats, the probability of nest desertion increased and predation risk decreased with nest initiation date, possibly due to better nest concealment in the later season. Daily nest survival decreased with nest age and precipitation in both species, and increased with nest initiation date in whinchats. None of the habitat variables examined were positively linked to daily nest survival, and viewshed was negatively related to whinchat daily nest survival.Our study suggests that extending core habitat may help to promote settlement and potentially reproductive success of whinchats. However, as habitat selection was not positively associated with daily nest survival, land management measures alone might not be sufficient to halt rapid population declines. To effectively conserve whinchats and other grassland bird populations, the causes of nest failures must be identified and addressed. Within the examined reserve and similar habitats, flood management and predator control may yield the biggest short‐term conservation gains.

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A hidden threat in abandoned fields: frequent nest predation by common adder on ground-nesting passerines

Cited by 4 publications

References 43 publications

Comparative venom analysis between melanistic and normally-colored phenotypes of the common adder (Vipera berus)

Comparative venom analysis between melanistic and normally-colored phenotypes of the common adder (Vipera berus)

Research activity induces change in nest position but does not affect nest success in a vulnerable babbler

Multi‐scale habitat selection and nest survival of whinchats and stonechats: implications for grassland conservation management

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